A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during Government shutdowns.

Senate Joint Resolution

S.J.Res. 94

119th Congress

A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during Government shutdowns.

In Committee

Introduced:Oct 29, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Lindsey Graham

R - SC

Cosponsors

0

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Congress

Summary

Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during government shutdowns caused by failure to pass appropriations bills. Forfeited amounts would be transferred to the Treasury general fund to reduce the federal debt.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

Proposes a constitutional amendment requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during government shutdowns caused by failure to pass appropriations bills. Forfeited amounts would be transferred to the Treasury general fund to reduce the federal debt.

Last updated: 12/29/2025

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment that requires Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during a government shutdown. Specifically, the amendment provides that Members of Congress must forfeit (and may not receive) any compensation for their services during any period in which there is a lapse in appropriations as a result of a failure to enact regular or continuing appropriations for one or more federal agencies or departments (i.e., government shutdown).Any funds that are forfeited under the amendment must be transferred to the Treasury and used to reduce the federal debt.

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Constitutional amendment requiring two-thirds approval in each chamber
Members forfeit pay during any lapse in appropriations
Applies when regular or continuing appropriations are not enacted
Forfeited funds go to reduce federal debt
Congress given power to enforce through appropriate legislation

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Would directly affect all 535 Members of Congress by linking their pay to passage of appropriations bills. Creates a financial incentive for Congress to avoid government shutdowns. Federal employees who lose pay during shutdowns would see Congress share the consequences. Taxpayers may view this as increased accountability, though critics note the 27th Amendment already limits congressional pay changes and ratification by 38 states would be required.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Congress

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

94, 119th Congress (2025). "A joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the United States requiring Members of Congress to forfeit their compensation during Government shutdowns.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-sjres-94